You made a good point when you referenced the quote regarding gifts. I like how the author brought that similarity to the reader's attention, as it proves that different variations of capitalism have existed across time, which you stated as your supportive evidence to the quote. I also like how you related the quote to your current ambitions in the realm of hospitality. The essay pieces together better when the writer is able to relate an abstract concept to their own life and share personal experiences for the reader to see. I do, however, believe you rambled on a bit too much about your personal experiences in hospitality and made the middle segment of the essay a bit too informal by using phrases like "hear me out," and long run-on sentences. Despite those issues, the essay clearly highlighted your opinions on the topic and displayed that you read the material. You also made the claim
“That, however, is where the similarities end because when it comes to what the Native Americans were very much expecting those who attended their feasts to return the favor with even more valuable gifts and feasts that they would in turn be invited to.”
when referencing the similarities of gift giving. You claimed there is a large difference in these traditions. I do not see much of difference between Native American gift giving and current capitalism other than the obvious difference in means of exchange. People are always looking for something in return, whether a Native American gave a sheep to someone as a present for future security or if a modern human gave a gift to a friend in exchange for their loyalty. Value structures change across time and people often give upfront for a possible reward in the future. Capitalism, as described in the chapter, is giving someone a product or service that the individual values more than what they are providing the entrepreneur. The exchange leaves both parties better off than before, as each person values the exchanged goods/services differently. The same can be applied to early forms of gift giving. Even in your passion of hospitality, you are giving something to people in exchange for at the very least personal positive emotions. In an alternate world, if you felt terrible about giving to someone, even if it was the right thing to do, would you? Even then, you would do it for "meaning" and "purpose," which is an exchange of values in itself.